das Hinterland, -e

The German word "Hinterland" is a noun used in both German and English to refer to an area of land lying behind a coastal region or beyond major river or urban areas. It derives from "hinter," meaning "behind," and "Land," meaning "land" or "country."

Similar words in Germany might include "Hinterland" is sometimes used interchangeably with "Binnenland" (inland) or "Binnenregion" (inland region), although "Binnenland" usually refers to an area that is further away from the coast or borders.

While "Hinterland" specifically highlights the position relative to more prominent or developed areas (meaning not directly accessible or away from the urban centers), "Binnenland" generally conveys the simple geographical concept of being away from the coast without implying a secondary or service role to other regions.